Gravity transducer system and method including a junction with a first metal and a second metal

ABSTRACT

An airborne gravity-based transducer is disclosed as two embodiments with similar physical structures but different operating principles. The first design includes a particle acting as an active interface characterized by internal vibrations relating to its de Broglie wave, a resonant cavity for trapping the particle, and a phonon-wave source wherein the de Broglie and phonon waves interact over a junction area. In the second design, mechanical displacements between the transducer elements can be monitored through electromechanical transduction. Both designs include a power source and a biasing circuit for producing an electrical current across the junction, and a sensing system for measuring voltage. Both designs are capable of cancelling slowly-varying gravitational acceleration due to dynamic interaction in motion with the gravitational field and responding to small-scale gravity anomalies. The transducer can be utilized in hydrocarbon exploration to provide information on areas conducive to fluid entrapment in the sedimentary column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2013/042315 filed May 22, 2013, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/650,413 filed May22, 2012. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to gravity transducers, and moreparticularly to the detection of minute variation of the gravitationalfield induced by subsurface density and stress, and even moreparticularly to an application of such a transducer to hydrocarbonexploration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gravity variations have been detected using suspended large masses onthe order of kilograms. It was believed the masses had to be largebecause the force of gravity is the weakest known force. More recently,atom interferometry, and in particular, accelerometers utilizinginterferometry have been proposed as gravitational probes. See, forexample, B. M. Anderson, J. M. Taylor and V. M. Galitski,“Interferometry with synthetic gauge fields”, Physical Review A, 83,031602(R), 2011.

These devices have practical limitations. The devices using large massescan only detect large variations in the gravitational field. There are anumber of complex technical challenges to overcome so as to makeinterferometers practical for field operations. Some of theserequirements include cooling and keeping atoms near absolute zero andremoving unwanted inertial effects. Thus, it would be highly desirableto have a device that could detect relatively small gravityfluctuations, such as those due to density and subsurface stress changesin porous rocks relating to geologic features of interest, and whichcould be used conveniently at reasonable temperatures, such as roomtemperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical geologic feature that theinvention may be useful in distinguishing;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a gravitytransducer and detection system that is capable of identifying potentialhydrocarbon features;

FIGS. 3 A and B are detailed block diagrams of the system of FIG. 2showing the parts and cabling between the parts;

FIG. 4 is a sketch based on a photograph showing the system of FIGS. 2and 3 in a Cessna Citation 560 aircraft;

FIG. 5 is a sketch of an open sensor case and an associated signalconditioning unit which are employed in the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A shows side view of a stress field detector (SFD) sensor showingtypical dimensions;

FIG. 6B shows an end plan view of the SFD sensor of FIG. 6A showingtypical dimensions;

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of another embodiment of an SFDsensor;

FIG. 7B is an end view of the SFD sensor of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a sketch showing a microscopic view of an SFD sensorillustrating how atoms may be trapped forming a sensor junction;

FIG. 9 is a sketch illustrating one embodiment of the inventioncomprising a multi-junction embodiment, each comprising a superpositionof the wave of a trapped particle and the phonon wave generated in thejunction cavity;

FIG. 10 is a sketch illustrating a standing wave of the Trapped Particleand a phonon wave front in a highly constricted region between a metalpin and a metal bead FIGS. 6A through 7B;

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate examples of signals generated by the system ofFIGS. 2 through 6B on test flights that verify the abilities of thesystem, and more specifically:

FIG. 11 is a signal for a test flight line crossing Ladyfern gas field,BC, Canada along a maximum stress line in the plains;

FIG. 12 shows a signal from a second test flight line Burnt Timber gasfield, AB, Canada using the same sensor as used in FIG. 11, and along amaximum stress line, but in the foothills;

FIG. 13 shows signals from a third test flight crossing Ladyfern gasfield, BC, Canada, using the same sensor as used for FIGS. 11 and 12,but in this case the flight is along a minimum stress line;

FIG. 14 shows a survey flight line map for a flight on Apr. 14, 2012over the La Jarilla oil field in Comodoro-Rivadiva, Argentina;

FIG. 15 shows a signal developed along the flight line of FIG. 14 takenoff of sensor “Pearl”;

FIG. 16 shows another signal developed along the flight line of FIG. 14taken off of sensor “String”, a different sensor from sensor “Pearl”;

FIG. 17 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of “signalamplitude”;

FIG. 18 is a sensor signal in which the amplitude is averaged;

FIG. 19 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of a geologic edge;

FIG. 20 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of signal“frequency”;

FIG. 21 is a sensor signal illustrating various frequency trends;

FIG. 22 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of signal patternchange;

FIG. 23 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of signal characterchange;

FIG. 24 is a sensor signal illustrating the concept of sequenceidentification;

FIG. 25 shows a side view of an embodiment of the electromechanicalsensor according to the invention;

FIG. 26 shows an end plan view of an embodiment of the electromechanicalsensor according to the invention;

FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mechanicalmodel of the electrical system according to the invention; and

FIG. 28 shows a typical relative displacement of the preferredembodiment of the mechanical model of FIG. 27 when it encounters thetime-dependent gravitational acceleration profile due to rectilinearmotion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present application discloses a small-scale gravity-based transducerwith sufficient stability. The device is experimentally tested, andconsistent results of the airborne surveys have been obtained. The newdevice and the system that controls it have the ability of stand-alonereliability.

Embodiments of a practical gravity transducer device utilizing one ormore of the following three design elements are disclosed herein: (i)the transducer is in a continuous rectilinear motion to operate; (ii)the transducer is detecting the gravity changes using either activeinterface or relative displacements between two mechanical elements ofthe transducer; (iii) the transducer is utilizing an electromechanicalconversion by applying electrical current across the contact areabetween the elements that register the relative displacement. Thespecific application of the embodiments described herein is to thedetection of potential hydrocarbon deposits.

As will be seen in detail below, the presence of fluid, e.g., trappedwater and/or hydrocarbon, in porous rocks causes the density to decreaseand produces a negative gravity change with respect to the background.In the course of detecting the potential hydrocarbon deposits, theembodiments disclosed also detect other geologic features within asedimentary basin, such as lithological changes and faults. Fluids inreservoir rocks, lithologic changes or faults tend to have a net effectof reducing the density locally, which is also accompanied by subsurfacestress changes. A feature of the two typical embodiments of thisinvention is that both employ a continuous rectilinear motion.Fundamentally, all present gravimeters and gravity gradiometers takestatic measurements; therefore, these static instruments (1) require orapproach static equilibrium; (2) are incapable of obtaining a continuoustime-dependent gravity signal; and (3) are incapable of takingmeasurements and/or detecting gravity changes at sensors naturalvibrational frequency.

In both embodiments, the gravity transducer system utilizes (1) acombination of high altitude (up to 3,000 m) and high speed (up to 500km/h) which provides an increased frequency domain; (2) a high samplerate (e.g., 2,000 samples per second) which provides fine spatial-scaledetection ability.

In both embodiments, there is a gravity transducer system comprising: ajunction comprising a first metal and a second metal different from thefirst metal; the first metal is the pin and the second metal is thebead. The junction forms a capacitance when the two metals are not indirect contact.

The present application discloses a small-scale device for airbornegeophysical exploration, which is sufficiently stable and for which theresults are consistent. Thus, the new device and system have the abilityto provide stand-alone reliability.

Embodiments of a practical gravitational field detector are disclosedherein. The specific application of the embodiments described herein isto the detection of potential hydrocarbon deposits. As will be seen indetail below, the geologic density and stress changes in the region ofhydrocarbon deposits in the earth's crust are different from backgroundregions. The transducer described herein detects those differences. Inthe course of detecting the potential hydrocarbon deposits, it has beenfound that the embodiments disclosed also detect other geologic featureswithin a sedimentary basin, such as lithologic changes and faults. Itwill also be evident to one skilled in the art that the stress fielddetector and the specific embodiments described has and will have manyadditional features and applications.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical geologic feature 100 that theembodiments described herein may be useful in distinguishing. Anexemplary area 110 of a sedimentary basin having a plurality ofsedimentary layers 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 is illustrated, which areaincludes areas having shale sequence 112 surrounding a porous sandstoneformation 114, which may contain fluid, such as, for example, gas, oil,or water. In this example, the porous sandstone and the shale have thesame density. Equal density implies equal gravitational acceleration.Therefore, mass-based gravimeters yield the same measurement value overboth. However, the two areas will have different stress regimes assuggested by 118, 126, 127, and 120. The shale rock 112, distributesstress and permeability differently from porous sandstone with fluid114. The difference in the elastic (shear) properties between the shaleand the porous sandstone containing significant fluid creates stressanomalies oblivious to conventional gravity detection devices, butdetectable by the sensors described herein, due to changes in gravityfield vibration associated with the subsurface density and stressperturbations.

I. Detailed Description of the Electronics

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of oneembodiment of the gravity transducer and detection system capable ofidentifying potential hydrocarbon features. As shown in FIG. 2, thesystem integrates, stress field detection sensors, 154, signalconditioning systems 156, aircraft tracking and communication systems160, data recording systems 164 and 166, quality control systems 170including data post-processing systems. All the equipment isself-contained and is connected together through appropriate cabling155, 161, 158, 157, 167 and 168.

FIG. 3 shows a block circuit diagram showing the individual electroniccomponents of an embodiment of the system 150 incorporated into a surveyaircraft. Embodiment 150 includes a first Stress Field Sensor (SFD)system 202, a second SFD system 204, a main data acquisition computersystem 214, a real-time display computer system 216, and a pilotnavigation system 218. First SFD sensor system 202 includes an SFDsensor array including six SFD sensors and 2 accelerometers. These arecontained in a sensor box 220. The structure of the sensors and thesensor boxes will be discussed below. First sensor system 202 alsoincludes an SFD signal conditioning system 222 and a battery 225.Grounds throughout the system 150 are shown by ground symbols, such as226. Second SFD system 204 includes a sensor box 230 containing eightSFD sensors and six accelerometers. Second system 204 also includes anSFD signal conditioning system 232 and a battery 235.

One embodiment of main computer 214 includes a QNX 4.25 data acquisitioncomputer 290 together with cards and peripherals including keyboard 240coupled to a keyboard IN port 299 via coupler 242. Computer 290 ispowered from a power source 294, which is powered from the airplane,which power is input into 110 V AC power in unit 291. Data acquisitioncomputer 290 may also include data acquisition card 300 connected to thesensor data input port 250, data acquisition card 304 which is connectedto accelerometer data input port 252, GPS serial port 306 which isconnected to GPS Com 1 port 274, NMEA/qtalk serial port 308 which isconnected to GPS Com 2 port 276, pilot display output 310, and USB port314 which provides output to an external hard drive. Coupler 242 may bea cable or a wireless device and permits the keyboard to be moved aboutthe airplane. Computer 214 may include: cable interface 248, M6259 2 kHzdata input interface 250, with up to 16 channels use by the SFD sensor;M6225 200 Hz data acquisition interface 252 for the accelerometers; aremote start output 256 for synchronizing the mainframe with the othercomputers; system one input port 258 connected to system one SFD signalconditioner 222; system two input port 260 connected to system twosignal conditioner 232; and accelerometer/battery monitor input 264.Main computer 214 also includes a GPS module 268 which may include: GPScard 268; GPS antenna 270; Com 1 port 274; Com 2 port 276; DC power inport 280; GPS battery 282; and 15 volt dc source 286. GPS module 268runs off battery 282, which is charged from the airplane generator whenthe airplane is flying.

Pilot navigation system 218 includes 5 volt DC power supply 320, pilotnavigation interface 324 which receives the output from the pilotdisplay output 310 of computer 290, and pilot navigation display 326which is projected onto the windshield of the airplane.

Real-time display computer 216 includes a laptop 330, which may be aPanasonic CF30 with an OziExplorer moving map utility to track surveyflights, and a WinDaq data acquisition system to show the SFD waveformduring survey and also serve for backup data recording. Laptop 330 mayalso include communication port 334 connected to the GPS communicationports 304 and 276 of computer 214, a USB port 326, RAM DC power in card338 connected to 28 V DC power source 346, and USB port 340 connected toexternal hard drive 344. Real-time display computer 216 also may includemapping module 350 which may include data acquisition card 350, WinDaqinput ports 356 and 358, and USB port 354 that connects to USB port 336on the laptop 330. The WinDaq ports 356 connect to the SFD signalconditioning units 222 and 232, respectively.

Main computer 214 operates to collect and digitize sensor data,accelerometer data, and GPS data. The data acquisition cards mentionedabove include analog-digital convertors which digitize the analogoutputs of SFD sensors and accelerometers. The accelerometer data servesa quality control function. If the impact of acceleration on the SDFsensors is too high, for example, 1 g or greater, extra care needs to beexercised with respect to data quality. This is performed by correlatingaccelerometer data with the SFD sensor data by the main computer 214.Main computer 214 also correlates the SFD data with the airplaneposition data output by the GPS module 268. Real time display computer216 provides signal outputs during surveys that show the SFD output as afunction of time, which waveforms will be discussed in detail below.These waveforms may be output in real time on the display of laptop 330.The time is also correlated to position via the GPS output enabling thesystem to provide real time display of flights which correlate time withposition. Examples of such maps will be shown and discussed below.

FIG. 4 is a sketch of a photograph showing the sensor survey equipmentin place aboard a Cessna Citation 560 aircraft 380. Real time displaylaptop 330 sits at the top of the nearest rack 384, while main computer290 is directly below it. Mapping module 350 is at the bottom of thisrack. Cable interface 248 can be seen at the bottom right of the rack384. System one SFD sensor case 230 can be seen at the top of secondrack 388 while system two sensor cases 230 is below it. System twosignal conditioners 232 can be seen on the rack level below the sensorcase 230. Navigation module 218 can be seen in the cockpit 390 at thefar end of the airplane 380.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of an open sensor case 230 and amultiple-channel signal conditioning unit 232. The gravity field sensorsare individual units mounted inside a pelican hard case 400 withvibration and shock isolation. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the vibrationand shock isolation comprises a silicone gel mat 410. Sixteen SFDsensors 404, 406, 408, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 434,435, 436 and 437 are mounted on the mat 410. Three accelerometers, 440,441, and 442 are mounted on top of SFD sensors 434, 435, and 437,respectively, and thus are supported on the mat 410. Theseaccelerometers measure acceleration in each of three orthogonaldirections. In addition, three accelerometers 444, 445 and 446 aremounted directly to case 400. These measure acceleration in each ofthree airframe orthogonal directions. Many other configurations of SFDsensors and accelerometers are possible. Redundancy of SFD sensors andaccelerometers is often a feature of embodiments. In one embodiment,signals from fourteen SFD sensors in two separate systems are recordedsimultaneously in differential mode to reduce uncertainty of identifyingsubsurface geologic features and eliminate unwanted noise. In oneembodiment, twenty-four SFD sensors are contained in three separatesystems.

The gravity field sensor according to the invention is a small-scaledevice that responds to structural, stratigraphic trapped fluids causedby variations primarily in the horizontal stress directions in thesubsurface with respect to density and stress, hence the term StressField Detector. One embodiment of the sensor is described in referenceto FIGS. 6A-10 below. Depending on the design, the sensor is a two orthree terminal transducer that produces a time-varying analog electricalsignal, which is fed through a multiple channel signal conditioningunit. The output, in the form of an analog voltage signal, flows intothe data acquisition cards where it is converted to a digital signal fordisplay on a computer system. Data may be recorded at 2,000 samples persecond.

This embodiment of the gravity transducer system consists of anelectromechanical sensor and the associated electronics that processesand records the voltage signal produced by the sensor. FIG. 6 shows side(FIG. 6A) and plan (FIG. 6B) views showing details of one embodiment ofan electromechanical sensor 416 according to the invention. Thisembodiment comprises a pin 450, having a coating 462 and a bead 454comprising a first half-sphere 456, a disc 458 and second half-sphere460. In this embodiment both the bead and pin are fixed and relativedisplacement between them is disallowed and the detection is based onthe motion (vibration) of the active interface (trapped particle) 514 inFIG. 10. Pin 450 may be made of gold or copper, though it may be made ofother materials. Coating 462 may be made of silver oxide, i.e., Ag2O,though it may be made of other oxides or other dielectrics. Thethickness of the coating 462 may be thirty nanometers or less; morepreferably, twenty nanometers or less; and most preferably tennanometers or less. The circular center disc portion 458 of bead 454 maybe made of copper, though it may be made of many other metals. Exemplarydimensions of the various parts are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.Half-spheres 456 and 460 may be 2 mm long, and may be made of alloys,such as alloys of tin, nickel, lead and silver. In one embodiment, firsthalf-sphere 456 may be 63% Sn and 37% Pb, while second half-sphere 460may be 96.3% Sn and 3.7% Ag. Disc 458 may be 1.75 mm long. The internalsurface of the bead is made relatively rough. Pin 450 may be 25 mm longand 1.45 mm in diameter. The outer diameter of half-spheres 456 and 460and disc 458 may be 3.5 mm. In operation, pin 450 is held at the groundvoltage via contact 504, while bead 454 is held at the positive VDCvoltage via contact 508. Some other materials for the sensor componentsdetailed above may also be used such as nickel, carbon, platinum, othersand their alloys. Metal oxides that may be used to coat pin 450 includetantalum oxide, aluminum oxide, tin oxide, nickel oxide and others.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side and plan views showing perspective of anotherembodiment of a sensor junction 470. This embodiment includes pin 474,and bead 476 disc 478, disc 480, and disc 482. Pin 474 is coated withcoating 472. Pin 474 and disc 480 may be made of a good conductor, suchas gold or copper. Discs 478 and 482 may be made of a metal alloy, suchas alloys of tin, nickel, lead and silver. Coating 472 may be made of ametal oxide, such as silver oxide or other oxides mentioned above. A pincontact 490 may be made of copper, or other materials mentioned above,and may be grounded at 494. Disc 482 may be connected to the positiveVDC voltage. The positive VDC voltage may be typically between 6 and 9volts. In operation, the position of the pin 450, 474 is adjusted in thebore of the bead 454, 476 using a precision micro-mechanical control,which may be adjusted via a piezo-driven nanopositioner.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are side and plan views showing perspective of anotherembodiment 516 of a sensor junction. This embodiment includes pin 550and bead 554 consisting of discs 558, 556 and 560. Discs 556 and 560 maybe made of a metal alloy, such as alloys of tin, nickel, lead, andsilver. The circular center disc portion 558 of bead 554 may be made ofcopper, though it may be made of many other metals. The internal surface586 of the bead is made relatively smooth. In this embodiment, relativedisplacement between the bead and pin are allowed. A thin dielectricpolymer spacer 580 that controls bead vibration is placed between thepin 550 and the bead 554. Spacer may be made of a polymeric adhesivecontaining up to ten percent titanium oxide (TiO2). Other adhesives canalso be used. Pin 550 is coated with dielectric material 584. Pin 550and disc 558 may be made of a good conductor, such as gold and copper.Coating 584 may be made of a metal oxide, such as silver oxide or otheroxides mentioned above. A pin contact 582 may be made of copper, orother materials mentioned above, and may be grounded at 583. Bead may beconnected to the positive VDC voltage via conductor 588. The positiveVDC voltage 589 may be typically between 3 and 9 volts.

In operation for both embodiments, the position of the pin is adjustedin the bore of the bead for optimum response using a precisionmicro-mechanical control, which may be adjusted via a piezo-drivennanopositioner.

II. Operational Principles

II.1. Transducer Design I: Detection by Active Interface

While the system described herein is largely tested against empiricalevidence over approximately 15 years, and steady improvement of thesystem has been made based on the empirical evidence, a discussion interms of operational principals may be useful in understanding thesystem. FIG. 8 is a sketch showing a microscopic view of the sensorjunction 416 illustrating how electrically neutral or chargedparticle(s) 512, 514, may be trapped forming an active sensor junction416. As in FIGS. 6A and 6B, sensor 416 includes a bead 454 and a metalpin 450. Bead 454 includes portions 456 and 460 which may be made ofmetal alloy and portion 458 which may be made of metal, such as copper.Pin 450 is coated with a coating 462 which may be made of a metal oxide.Pin 450 is grounded at 504 and bead 454 is connected to the +VDC voltageat 508. Pin 450 is adjusted in directions orthogonal to its length, asshown at 520. As pin 450 is adjusted, electrically neutral or chargedparticle(s), such as 512 and 514 may become suitably trapped between pin450 and bead 454. When the +VDC voltage is applied across the pin 450and bead 454, electrical current produces heat, which generates phonons.A particle, such as 514, can become suitably trapped in a phononresonance forming at electronic junction of dissimilar metals.

FIG. 9 is a sketch illustrating one embodiment comprising amulti-junction embodiment, each comprising a superposition of the wave,such as 515, of a trapped particle, such as 514, and the phonon wave,such as 530, generated in the junction cavity. As shown, adjustment 526traps particle 514 in a standing phonon wave 530, and adjustment 536traps particle 533 in a phonon standing wave 534. The trapped particleis confined in the gap 500 between oxide coating of pin 450 and theinner surface 460 of bead 454. FIG. 10 is a sketch illustrating a trap520, 501 of a particle 514 between metal pin 450 and a metal bead 460.

The phonon-wave controlled, active interface, resonance transducer is ageophysical sensor system which is capable of detecting subtlevariations in the earth's gravitational field. Due to its compact andhighly portable configuration, the sensor is easily employed in airbornesurvey applications, which ideally position it as a rapid andcost-effective tool for wide-area mineral exploration. The presentsurvey system is designed specifically for oil and gas prospecting.Additional future applications of the system include metallic mineralexploration, kimberlite (diamond) prospecting, locating shallow freshwater beds, the prediction of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,identifying and testing quantum mechanical interactions, (phenomena andprocesses), investigating quantum mechanical events in the domain ofgeneral relativity, exploring the understanding of the origin of mass,gravity and inertia from the most fundamental laws of physics, andtesting general relativity postulates, and potential astronomical andastrophysical observations. However, these applications may requiremodifications to the current designs and material selection, addedcontrol functions and the selection of suitable particles.

The basic operating premise of the active interface is based on thefundamental relationship between stress and gravity.

The vertical stress component of the earth is dominated by gravityacting on the overburden. In contrast, the maximum and minimumhorizontal stress components significantly affect horizontal gravity.Accordingly, the majority of gravitational anomalies with orientationchanges will occur in the horizontal direction. Hayes showed that stressfields not only will introduce changes in the magnitude of gravity butalso couple in the tensor directions (T. J. Hayes, K. F. Tiampo, J.Fernandez, and J. B. Rundle, “A gravity gradient method forcharacterizing the post-seismic deformation field for a finite fault”,Geophysical Journal International, 173, 802-805, 2008). By usingextensive calculations and models of Joshua Tree Earthquake, Hayesshowed that gravity gradiometry will exhibit similar shape as stressmodel over a finite strike slip motion in horizontal plane. Oneexception where stress does not follow the gravity gradient is intrapped fluids. If a solid is in contact with a fluid, the shear stressat the interface must be zero (fluids cannot support shear) but thenormal component of the stress (i.e., the traction) must be continuous.The effects of seismic shear waves are identical for trapped fluids.Stress fields of trapped fluids, therefore, differ significantly fromthose of solid rocks and also cause unique gravitational perturbations.

According to general theory of relativity, all forms of energy aresources for the gravitational field, and the addition or subtraction ofenergy alters the gravitational field potential of an object.Consequently, gravitating bodies will develop real perturbations in thegeometry of their gravitational field in response to applied stress.Stressors may include heat, rotation, compression or tension, and theorigin of such stressors may be internal or external to the body.

The transducer of the invention is a mesoscopic scale non-linear devicedesigned (1) to selectively respond to stress induced gravitationalanomalies; (2) to achieve a dynamical signal integration over time; (3)to reject constant or gradually varying gravitational sources; (4) toperform these functions from high altitudes, e.g., 1,000 to 20,000 feet,and at a high sample rate (e.g., 2,000 samples per second); (5) to allowthe interaction of classical and quantum mechanical domains through aspecially designed interface. The gravity transducer system exploits thestress-gravity relationship to infer changes in stress patterns within asedimentary basin and/or in the earth's shallow crust by focusing on thedetection of subtle variations in the form of gravity field vibrationscoming from density-stress perturbations. To be clear, the gravitytransducer system according to the invention is designed to detectanomalies, as variations in vibrations, in the gravity-energy frequencydomain, as opposed to measuring the magnitude of acceleration which iswhat the state-of-the-art conventional gravimeters and gravitygradiometers rely on. As such, the system of the invention represents asubstantial departure from known technologies employed in the fieldgeophysics.

A large ‘test mass’ is unsuitable to measure small distortions ingravity on large scale interactions. Furthermore, large mass has shortde Broglie wavelength. In contrast, particle scale mass has long deBroglie wavelength. Energy density is related to mass, and mass could bedefined in terms of de Broglie frequency (J. W. G. Wignall, “Proposalfor an absolute, atomic definition of mass”, Physical Review Letters,68, 5-8, 1992; S.-Y. Lan, P.-C. Kuan, B. Estey, D. English, J. Brown, M.Hohensee, and H. Müller, “A clock directly linking time to a particle'smass”, Science, 339, 554-557, 2013). Therefore, all vibrationsexperienced by a mass are fundamentally associated with its de Brogliefrequency.

As the sensor is flown though the gravitational field at a high speed,its vibrating active interface is tuned to a specific frequency ofinterest. This will allow the sensor to interact with the localizedgravitational energy density within a specific geometry of space-timerelating to specific subsurface density and stress perturbations. Theperturbations with an energy density comparable to that of the sensorwill bring about localized vibrations interfering with the pre-setvibrations of the sensor and initiate changes in the phonon populationwithin the resonating junction cavity. Thus the resulting electricalwaveform output can be used to identify signal attributes indicative oftrapped fluids and other geologic features. In addition, orientationeffects are induced by subsurface density and in-situ anisotropic“stress states” associated with subsurface discontinuities, which can bedetected as the sensor is flown along straight path. Density-stressperturbations associated with buoyancy (an upward force exerted by afluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object) can be identifiedas well, based on patterns and frequency shifts.

Short-wavelength gravity field vibrations, such as those produced bydensity-stress perturbations, can be transferred to particles with thecorresponding wavelength of, for instance, the detection elementconsisting of the phonons and the trapped particle. The processdescribed above allows an efficient energy-momentum transfer and theamplification of the resulting effects of small field vibrations anddistortions. SFD probes gravitational energy density spectrum in orderto investigate and discern density-stress changes in the subsurfaceassociated with trapped fluids and other geological features. Thepresent invention exploits a novel approach in identifying anddescribing gravitational effects that were undetectable before.

The device described herein may be a phonon standing wave controlledtransducer that consists of a resonant cavity or a low resistance,weakly interacting metal-oxide-metal junction (LONCI Junction) withhighly constricted spatial regions. Between the junction terminals aparticular non-lattice bound matter structure having its associatedwave, i.e., a particle element may be trapped. The particle element willbe called the Trapped Particle hereafter. With no excitation applied,the Trapped Particle would naturally oscillate about its equilibriumposition. However, with proper excitation, the Trapped Particle maybehave as an Active Interface in conjunction with the phonon standingwave in the detection of localized gravitational vibrations ordistortions. The coupling of the Trapped Particle matter-wave and thephonon standing wave constitutes the gravity detection mechanism.

Other quantum mechanical devices employ “passive junction interfaces” inwhich the junction barrier is composed of gas/air or thin film or someother dielectrics, etc., characterized by high resistance and usuallyoperates at extremely low temperatures. In contrast, an active interfacesensor may utilize low junction resistance in which particles may movethrough the junction as waves, as opposed to high resistance junctionsof about 4.1 kΩ or more where particles moves through the junction asparticles. Further, the described sensor operates at room temperatureand employs Active Interface in a form of a vibrating Trapped Particlematter-wave, which is coupled directly with the phonon standing wavesystem. The resulting arrangement is used in the detection of highlylocalized minute vibrational/directional changes in the gravity field.

The LONCI junction is biased by DC current. The passage of the currentthrough the low resistance junction produces Joule heat. When phononsare absorbed in the junction they are rapidly thermalized which raisesjunction temperature. As a result, the sensor system undergoesexcitation and phonons are generated. This results in electron-phononscattering, junction impedance change, Coulomb blockade formation, andinitiates particle tunneling. The system is tuned electromechanically(1) to attain the desired resonance by modifying the cavity dimensionsand/or changing junction capacitance, (2) to produce coherent standingphonon wave within the cavity out of two travelling phonon waves inopposite directions, (3) to allow a particle wave complex to couple tothe gravity field locally, and (4) to amplify signals, and (5) toexploit stochastic resonance. By the assistance of ubiquitousJohnson-Nyquist electronic noise (due to thermal agitation of chargecarriers) generated in the sensor junction, amplification andoptimization of extremely weak signals resulting from gravityinteractions may be achieved. It also affects sensor mode operations.

As the sensor is moved along a survey path, the matter-wave of theTrapped Particle coupled with the phonon standing wave will stretch,compress or relax in response to field variations. The changing wavesystem continually affects junction impedance, which is observed as avoltage signal output against time. This is partly due toelectron-phonon scattering with controlling electric charge distributionacross the junction.

While the impedance change is evident, its cause is not yet fullyunderstood. Some of the processes governing the impedance change arepotentially: superposition of coupling of fields and waveforms,phonon-phonon coupling, electron-phonon coupling, Coulomb Blockadeformation, and particle tunneling. As bias voltage is applied, chargecarriers can tunnel through the junction. Conductance varies accordingto the charging energy of junction, thermal energy of the system,conductance quantization and spin polarization, as charge carriers moveacross the oxide layer.

The current transducer system is calibrated to focus on an effectiveobservation window of approximately 0.5 to 1.5 radial kilometers. Atthis scale, empirical evidence suggests that the majority of gravityeffects arise from the interplay of in-situ tectonic stresses actingupon local geologic features. As a result, the inferred stress patternsare often indicative of prospective hydrocarbon trap and reservoirconditions in sedimentary basins including, for example, the presence offault blocks, channelized reservoirs, or carbonate reefs. Certain otherstress patterns may indicate geologic domain changes, such as faultsystems, fracture belts, lithologic boundaries, and over-pressure.

II.2. Transducer Design II: Detection by Relative Displacement

Various embodiments of the system described herein are largely testedagainst empirical evidence, and steady improvement of the system hasbeen made. To understand how the sensor junction detects the gravityanomaly, a mathematical model of classical mechanics for characterizingthe relative motion between the pin and the bead may be helpful. In itsbasic configuration, this mechanical model is comprised of two testmasses, two springs, and one damper.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of a mechanical model. The two testmasses m₁ and m₂ are vertically connected by a spring with springconstant k₂ and a damper with damping coefficient α. Test mass m₁corresponds to pin 450 and test mass m₂ corresponds to bead 454. Testmass m₂ is vertically connected to the ground platform by a spring withspring constant k₃.

The Lagrangian for the mechanical system described in FIG. 5 is given by

${L = {{T - V} = {\frac{\left( {{m_{1}v_{1}^{2}} + {m_{2}v_{2}^{2}}} \right)}{2} - \frac{{k_{3}\left( {x_{2} - l_{3}} \right)}^{2}}{2} - \frac{{k_{2}\left( {x_{1} - x_{2} - l_{2}} \right)}^{2}}{2} - {g\left( {{m_{1}x_{1}} + {m_{2}x_{2}}} \right)}}}},$where l₂ and l₃ are equilibrium lengths of the respective springs, andv₁ and v₂ are the velocities of the respective test masses. The effectof damping is added once we obtain the equations of motion from theLagrangian. The equation of motion for m₁ is obtained by Euler-Lagrangeequation augmented by the dissipative force

${{\frac{d}{dt}\left( \frac{\partial L}{\partial v_{1}} \right)} = {\frac{\partial L}{\partial x_{1}} + {{dissipative}\mspace{14mu}{force}}}},{yielding}$${m\frac{d^{2}x_{1}}{{dt}^{2}}} = {{- {k_{2}\left( {x_{1} - x_{2} - l_{2}} \right)}} - {m_{1}g} - {{\alpha\left( {v_{1} - v_{2}} \right)}.}}$The term −α(v₁−v₂) represents the dissipative force acting on m₁. It iszero when both test masses move with the same velocities. Under thiscondition, the damper does not absorb energy from the motions of the twotest masses. If the speed of m₁ is higher than that of m₂, and both aremoving in the same direction, then the dissipative force acts to reducem₁'s speed. If m₂'s speed is higher and both are moving in the samedirection, then the dissipative force causes m₁ to gain more speed. Thiseffect comes about because the two damper ends are attached to twodifferent masses, so that m₁ is pushed upward if m₂ moves upward with ahigher speed, or m₁ is pulled downward if m₂ moves downward with ahigher speed. If, however, both masses move in the opposite directions,then the dissipative force acts to reduce m₁'s speed.

The equation of motion for m₂ is also obtained by Euler-Lagrangeequation added by the dissipative force

${{\frac{d}{dt}\left( \frac{\partial L}{\partial v_{2}} \right)} = {\frac{\partial L}{\partial x_{2}} + {{dissipative}\mspace{14mu}{force}}}},{giving}$${m\frac{d^{2}x_{2}}{{dt}^{2}}} = {{k_{2}\left( {x_{1} - x_{2} - l_{2}} \right)} - {k_{3}\left( {x_{2} - l_{3}} \right)} - {m_{2}g} - {{\alpha\left( {v_{2} - v_{1}} \right)}.}}$Because mass m₁ cannot be lower in position than mass m₂, we must havex₁−x₂>0. If the spring k₂ is a zero-length spring, then we have x₁−x₂≧0.k₂ is a zero-length spring if l₂=0. The sensitive detection ofgravitational acceleration changes in this invention relies on isolatingthe relative displacement between the two masses:ξ=x ₁ −x ₂.The gravitational acceleration is assumed to have the following timedependence

${g(t)} = \left\{ {\begin{matrix}g_{0} & {0 \leq t < \tau} \\{g_{0} + {\Delta\; g}} & {t \geq \tau}\end{matrix},} \right.$where g₀ and Δg are constant gravitational acceleration background andgravity anomaly, respectively, and τ>0.

Assuming that the upper spring (k₂) has a zero length when it is inequilibrium, i.e., l₂=0, the solution for the relative displacement is

${{\xi(t)} = {{\frac{m_{1}{v_{1}(0)}}{\alpha}e^{{- k_{2}}{t/\alpha}}} + {\frac{m_{1}g_{0}}{k_{2}}\left( {e^{{- k_{2}}{t/\alpha}} - 1} \right)} + {\frac{m_{1}\Delta\; g}{k_{2}}\left( {e^{{- {k_{2}{({t - \tau})}}}/\alpha} - 1} \right){H\left( {t - \tau} \right)}}}},$where H(t−τ) is a unit step function that has a value of 1 if t>τ andzero otherwise. This solution is obtained by assuming that numericallyk₃>k₂>>α>m₁≈m₂ in the same system of units. The relative displacementξ(t) has oscillatory components, which are not included due to theapproximations used when performing the Laplace transform inversion. Thesolution presented above is the slowly-varying envelope function withoutthe high-frequency oscillation components.

The solution ξ(t) above shows that the constant gravitationalacceleration background can be completely filtered out by the preferredembodiment. To see this effect, consider immersing the preferredembodiment in the constant background without any presence of gravityanomaly Δg. The time t is always less than τ at which the gravityanomaly starts to appear, so that we have only the first two terms ofthe solution

${\xi\left( {t < \tau} \right)} = {{\frac{m_{1}{v_{1}(0)}}{\alpha}e^{{- k_{2}}{t/\alpha}}} + {\frac{m_{1}g_{0}}{k_{2}}{\left( {e^{{- k_{2}}{t/\alpha}} - 1} \right).}}}$Because of the preferred embodiment's geometric constraint, m₁'sposition, x₁, has to be at least equal to m₂'s position, x₂, so thatξ(t<τ) cannot be less than zero. As time progresses, the relativedisplacement decreases exponentially and will reach zero, indicatingthat the oscillations due to the constant gravitational background iscompletely suppressed. The time at which g₀ is completely suppressedoccurs when ξ(t<τ)=0, yielding

$t_{0} = {\frac{\alpha}{k_{2}}{{\ln\left\lbrack {1 + \frac{k_{2}{v_{1}(0)}}{\alpha\; g_{0}}} \right\rbrack}.}}$Although it is preferable to have k₂ to approach zero, the approximationconstraint k₃>k₂>>α>m₁≈m₂ requires that k₂ is numerically larger thaneither α, m₁, or m₂ in either SI or Imperial measurement unit system.

FIG. 28 shows a typical relative displacement of the preferredembodiment when it encounters the time-dependent gravitationalacceleration profile

${g(t)} = \left\{ {\begin{matrix}g_{0} & {0 \leq t < \tau} \\{g_{0} + {\Delta\; g}} & {t \geq \tau}\end{matrix}.} \right.$After the constant g₀ is suppressed at time t₀ within 0≦t≦τ, there willbe a gravity anomaly Δg occurring at τ>t₀. The solution term carryingthe gravity anomaly is

${\frac{m_{1}\Delta\; g}{k_{2}}\left( {e^{{- {k_{2}{({t - \tau})}}}/\alpha} - 1} \right)};$thus, any gravity anomaly with Δg>0 will not be detected since it willgive a negative relative displacement. The above expression is positiveif Δg is positive and t>τ. The preferred embodiment thus has twoadvantages: (i) it suppresses the constant gravitational background, and(ii) it rejects positive gravity anomaly.

The ability of the embodiment to reject positive gravity anomaly issuitable for hydrocarbon exploration. Most, if not all, oil and gasbearing porous rock systems have densities lower than the backgrounddensity for the constant background g₀. The constant backgroundsuppression is also suitable for hydrocarbon exploration since theproducts of standard gravity surveys performed using LaCoste-Romberggravimeters or full-tensor gradiometers are gravity anomaly maps. Thestandard gravity surveys require a subtraction of the constantbackground and a correction due to local topographical variations. Ourembodiment performs the subtraction and the correction on-the-fly as thesensor performs a survey from an aircraft.

The relative displacement magnitude due to the gravity anomaly is equalto

$\xi_{\Delta\; g} = {\frac{m_{1}\Delta\; g}{k_{2}}.}$The bead's mass in the embodiment is approximately 0.25 grams, while k₂is estimated to be 1.0 Newton/meter. Assuming a gravity anomaly of 1milligal, which is equal to 10⁻⁵ meter/second², we obtainξ_(Δg)=0.25 micrometer.This small magnitude of displacement would be a challenge to detect inthe field, let alone measured, using completely mechanical means. Thereare many noise sources when generic equipment is deployed in the fieldand suppressing each noise source remains a huge measurement barrier toovercome. It is noted that 1 milligal gravity anomaly represents thetypical current measurement limit of gravimetry (cf., I. Marson, “Ashort walk along the gravimeters path”, International Journal ofGeophysics, 2012, 687813, 2012).

The constant background suppression technology afforded by theembodiment can effectively block any quasi-steady-state noise source. Inthe mathematical model presented, g₀ can be considered to represent anynoise source in the time-dependent gravitational acceleration profile

${g(t)} = \left\{ {\begin{matrix}g_{0} & {0 \leq t < \tau} \\{g_{0} + {\Delta\; g}} & {t \geq \tau}\end{matrix}.} \right.$Our analysis shows that the suppression time is given by

$t_{0} = {\frac{\alpha}{k_{2}}{\ln\left\lbrack {1 + \frac{k_{2}{v_{1}(0)}}{\alpha\; g_{0}}} \right\rbrack}}$for the noise source with a magnitude g₀. Therefore, in general, we wantto have

$\frac{k_{2}{v_{1}(0)}}{\alpha} \leq g_{0}$in order to have t₀ as small as possible for the noise suppression towork using our embodiment. In the limit k₂→0, we have

${\lim\limits_{k_{2}->0}t_{0}} = {\frac{v_{1}(0)}{g_{0}}.}$For a noise source g₀, its suppression depends entirely on the initialvelocity of the bead, v₁(0), which in practice cannot be readilycontrolled by an external means for our embodiment. v₁(0) corresponds tothe bead's velocity as the preferred embodiment flies above an area thathas a gravitational acceleration g₀. A maximum suppression, however, canbe achieved in the limit α→0, yielding

${\lim\limits_{\alpha->0}t_{0}} = 0.$The α→0 limit, however, can never be achieved since even with no springconnecting the bead and the pin, i.e., k₂=0, there is always drag forcethat will dampen the relative displacement oscillation in theembodiment. Therefore, we must use

${\lim\limits_{k_{2}->0}t_{0}} = \frac{v_{1}(0)}{g_{0}}$as the limiting behavior of the suppression time t₀. For a measurementlimit of 1 milligal (=10⁻⁵ m/s²), we need to have v₁(0) to be at most0.1 mm/s in order to have t₀ on the order of 1 second. This is achievedin our preferred embodiment by making the pin's spring constant as stiffas possible. The preferred embodiment has a pin's effective springconstant of about 10⁴ N/m by placing the bead approximately at 15 mmaway from the pin's base and using copper as the material for the pin.Copper has a Young's modulus of 117 GPa and the pin's radius is 0.725mm.

In the preferred embodiment, the magnitude of the relative displacementis converted into a voltage signal across the electrical junction. Thedynamic transducer design is a bead acting as the top test mass, whichis inserted into a solid pin acting as the bottom test mass. Theschematic diagram of the pin-bead assembly is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.Under static equilibrium, the bead's inner surface will contact thepin's surface, and the clearance between the inner surface of the beadand the surface of the pin is on the order of the oxide thickness toallow for the bead to oscillate independently of the pin's oscillation.A thin dielectric spacer is placed between the pin and the bead, whichis represented by the spring characterized by k₂ and the dampercharacterized by α in FIG. 5.

The static capacitance between the bead and the pin is given by theformula for the capacitance of concentric cylinders

${C_{0} = \frac{2{\pi ɛ}_{0}ɛ_{0}L}{\ln\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}},$where L is the bead's length, R₁ is the pin's radius, and R₂ is thebead's inner radius. The relative displacement ξ between the pin and thebead can be represented by a change in R₂, and the resulting change incapacitance is

${\Delta\;{C(t)}} = {{{- \frac{2{\pi ɛ}_{0}ɛ_{r}L}{R_{2}{\ln^{2}\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}}}{dR}_{2}} = {{- \frac{C_{0}}{\ln\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}}{\frac{\xi(t)}{R_{2}}.}}}$The factor ln(R₂/R₁)<1 provides an amplification gain to the staticcapacitance C₀, and thus compensates for the small value of ξ(t)/R₂<1.It is beneficial to have a small R₂ value and to make it close to R₁. Asa result, the preferred embodiment is small in size and is sensitive indetection. Given that the capacitance C is related to voltage V via

${V = \frac{Q}{C}},$where Q is electrical charge, we obtain

${{\Delta\; V} = {{- \frac{Q}{C^{2}}}\Delta\; C}},$where the voltage change ΔV is the output signal of the dynamic gravitytransducer.

Given that ΔC is a function of time, we obtain

${\Delta\;{V(t)}} = {{{- \frac{Q}{C_{0}^{2}}}\Delta\;{C(t)}} = {\frac{Q}{C_{0}}{\frac{\xi(t)}{R_{2}{\ln\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}}.}}}$Because V₀=Q/C₀, we have

${\Delta\;{V(t)}} = {V_{0}{\frac{\xi(t)}{R_{2}{\ln\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}}.}}$The voltage output is therefore proportional to the relativedisplacement ξ(t). The sub-millimeter range of ξ_(Δg)=0.25 micrometercan therefore be amplified with the gain

$\frac{\xi(t)}{R_{2}{\ln\left( {R_{2}/R_{1}} \right)}}.$In our current preferred embodiment, the gain is about 1 due to smallξ(t)/R₂ ratio. The preferred embodiment is estimated to giveln(R₂/R₁)=1/8. Miniaturizing the preferred embodiment will increase thegain much further.

Although the output voltage signal ΔV(t) is directly proportional to therelative displacement ξ(t), the inverse process to obtain the gravityanomaly magnitude Δg would require a full characterization of (i)pin-bead assembly's geometry including clearance distances for eachsensor used; and (ii) spring constants and damping constant of thepin-bead assembly, which depend sensitively on manufacturing processes.

The baseline voltage V₀ may change if electrical current dQ/dt does notstay constant with time or the static capacitance C₀ changes, forexample, from charge buildup in the oxide layer. A calibration procedureinvolving electrical charging and discharging cycles of a stationarydesign in FIG. 7A can be performed with the purpose of determining thecharging and discharging time constants. These capacitance timeconstants should be smaller than the mechanical time constant α/k₂ inorder to achieve correct interpretations.

The main advantage of putting the design in continuous constant-altituderectilinear motion is that geologic source of gravity anomaly willproduce a sharper profile of gravitational force in the verticaldirection. The continuous motion provides for the followinggravitational profile used in the analysis of the design

${g(t)} = \left\{ {\begin{matrix}g_{0} & {0 \leq t < \tau} \\{g_{0} + {\Delta\; g}} & {t \geq \tau}\end{matrix}.} \right.$To see this sharpening effect, we can consider the design as a pointparticle of mass, m₁+m₂, located at (x′,y′,z′), which interactsgravitationally with a rectangular parallelepiped subsurface region ofvolume Ω=abc. The gravitational potential energy is

${V = {{- {G\left( {m_{1} + m_{2}} \right)}}\rho{\int_{0}^{a}{{dx}{\int_{{- b}/2}^{b/2}{{dy}{\int_{z_{0}}^{z_{0} + c}\frac{dz}{\sqrt{\left( {x^{\prime} - x} \right)^{2} + \left( {y^{\prime} - y} \right)^{2} + \left( {z^{\prime} - z} \right)^{2}}}}}}}}}},$where the position (x,y,z) belongs to a point within the subsurfacevolume and ρ is the subsurface density. G is the gravitational constant.If the subsurface thickness c can be assumed to be less than thelocation depth z₀ of the subsurface, the gravitational force in thevertical (z) direction is

${F_{z^{\prime}} = {\frac{{G\left( {m_{1} + m_{2}} \right)}\rho\;{cbh}}{\left( {\frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}} \right)}\left\lbrack {\frac{x^{\prime} - a}{\sqrt{\left( {x^{\prime} - a} \right)^{2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}} - \frac{x^{\prime}}{\sqrt{x^{\prime 2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}}} \right\rbrack}},$where h is the vertical distance between the sensor's verticalcoordinate z′ and the top edge location z₀ of the subsurface volume. hin practice is the sum of the altitude of the aircraft carrying thetransducer and the vertical depth of the subsurface volume. If thesubsurface volume Ω has a lower density ρ than the background densityρ₀, then the volume Ω contributes to the lowering of the constantgravitational background g₀. This is the origin of gravity anomaly Δg

${{\Delta\; g} = {\frac{F_{z^{\prime}}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} = {\frac{G\;{\rho\Omega}\; h}{a\left( {\frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}} \right)}\left\lbrack {\frac{x^{\prime} - a}{\sqrt{\left( {x^{\prime} - a} \right)^{2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}} - \frac{x^{\prime}}{\sqrt{x^{\prime 2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}}} \right\rbrack}}},$where ρΩ is the mass of the subsurface porous rock system that producesthe anomaly. Additional effects on Δg due to subsurface stresses can bedescribed by the change of volume ΔΩ, which occurs when compressionand/or tension is applied to the rock system. The density change Δρ maycorrelate with the subsurface stresses, i.e., the volume change ΔΩ. Itis therefore possible that ΔΩ and Δρ are indicative of subsurface stresschanges occurring simultaneously and cooperatively to produce adetectable Δg.

When the aircraft carrying the transducer is moving with aconstant-altitude speed of v, we can writex′=x ₀ =vt,where x₀<0 is the initial horizontal position of the transducer. Thegravity anomaly Δg becomes explicitly dependent on time

${\Delta\;{g(t)}} = {{\frac{G\;{\rho\Omega}\; h}{a\left( {\frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}} \right)}\left\lbrack {\frac{x_{0} + {vt} - a}{\sqrt{\left( {x_{0} + {vt} - a} \right)^{2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}} - \frac{x_{0} + {vt}}{\sqrt{\left( {x_{0} + {vt}} \right)^{2} + \frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}}}} \right\rbrack}.}$As the aircraft speed v increases, F_(z′)(t) becomes sharper withoutaffecting its magnitude. Thus, for sufficiently high aircraft speed, thegravity anomaly Δg can be described as occurring abruptly at t≧τ.

The time-dependent gravity anomaly Δg(t), possesses an optimum verticaldistance given byh _(opt) =b/2,where the gravitational field magnitude is maximum, which is obtained bydifferentiating the function

${f(h)} = \frac{h}{\left( {\frac{b^{2}}{4} + h^{2}} \right)}$with respect to h, setting it to zero, and solving the resultingequation for optimum vertical distance h_(opt). b is the linear size ofthe hydrocarbon deposit in the direction perpendicular to the aircraftmotion. h in practice is the sum of the altitude of the aircraftcarrying the sensor and the vertical depth of the subsurface volume.Given that the aircraft's altitude is typically 3,000 meters, thegravity-based transducer system in this embodiment can detectbasin-level hydrocarbon deposits.

The explicit time dependence of Δg, which is detected by the design,allows for the sensor not to conserve energy. As the sensor flies alonga flight line and encounters several Δg anomalies, it accumulatesmechanical energy from the work done by the Δg anomalies

${{{Work}\mspace{14mu}{done}} = {\sum\limits_{j}{\int{\left( {m_{1} + m_{2}} \right)\Delta\; g_{j}d\;\xi}}}},$where dξ is the relative displacement within the sensor. The integral isperformed over one anomaly, while the summation includes all anomaliesthe sensor encounters along its flight path.II.3. Discussion

As discussed, the oscillatory components of the relative displacementξ(t) are omitted in the above mathematical model for demonstrating somefundamental features involved in the transducer operation. Nevertheless,it is important to note that continuous rectilinear motion induces andmaintains oscillation of the pin-bead complex of the transducer at theirnatural frequencies through dynamic interaction with the gravity field.This oscillatory behavior allows the transducer to selectively react togravity anomalies on a small spatial scale while filtering out theslowly varying gravity background. This oscillatory behavior also allowsthe accumulation of minute gravity variations through resonance so thatrecognizable waveform interference for gravity anomalies will beexhibited in the signal.

However, the oscillatory behavior does not allow the transducer tosettle down when it is in continuous rectilinear motion. Consequently,on one hand, a high sample rate for data acquisition to follow theevolution of small-scale gravitational patterns can be used without theneed for the establishment of the test-mass equilibrium condition; onthe other hand, the dynamic detection of gravity anomalies becomes morecomplex in comparison to the static conventional gravimeters. It is thusnecessary to exploit the acquired signal in terms of wave attributesincluding the trend development of amplitude, frequency, phase, and soon. It is pattern recognition rather than each single point value thatis used in data interpretation. This implies that the transducer in thisinvention trades off measurement accuracy in favor of gaining higherdetection sensitivity and efficiency in identifying gravity anomalousareas for potential hydrocarbon deposition.

The transducer of this invention detects gravitational anomalies due tothe physical contrast of density and stress between geologicdiscontinuities and the background. In addition to subsurface densitychanges, the principal stresses also play a significant role in thedevelopment of subsurface conditions associated with discontinuities(cf. J. S. Bell, “In situ stresses in sedimentary rocks—part 2:applications of stress measurements”, Geoscience Canada, 23, 135-153,1996). In general, the maximum horizontal stress (S_(Hmax)) controlsfluid migration and the minimum horizontal stress (S_(hmin)) dictatesfluid expulsion. As fluid moves into reservoir rocks, S_(Hmax) willdecrease and S_(hmin) will increase as pore pressure increases.Reduction of shear and increase in permeability distribution inreservoirs (controlled by S_(Hmax)) will lead to a higher subsurfacehomogeneity condition. Where significant stress changes occur in rocksat fractures and faults or in reservoirs at the edges, they will beaccompanied by significant density change. Investigations of gravitygradients and stress changes have shown that there is a physicalrelationship between the two at small scales (cf. T. J. Hayes et al., “Agravity gradient method for characterizing the post-seismic deformationfield for a finite fault”, Geophysical Journal International, 173,802-805, 2008).

For the response of the transducer, changes in subsurface homogeneityare fundamental in producing the physical contrast of interest. Ingeneral, porous rocks and the presence of fluid cause a decrease in bulkdensity, which will produce a lower gravitational field. If more fluidis accumulated in a trap with high porosity and effective permeabilitydistribution, then the reservoir system becomes more homogenous.Consequently, there is an increase in spatial subsurface homogeneity.Based on such considerations, a geological background (or non-anomalous)condition can be characterized by a random distribution of Δρ withhydrostatic pressure gradients. An anomalous condition of interest canbe characterized by an isolated homogeneous distribution of Δρ due toenhanced porosity and fluid presence typically bounded by abnormalstress gradients. The anomalous condition can also be characterized by amarked reduction in shear stress inside the reservoir and areorientation of the horizontal principal stresses around it.

The most significant physical contrast that the transducer “sees” is atthe onset of the anomaly, which is due to the change in rock propertiesand the increase in anomalous fluid volume. The negative gravity anomalyproduced by the presence of the fluid body will induce a relativedisplacement of the transducer components and affects the resonancestate. As a result, the transducer responds strongly to the edges of theanomaly.

To summarize, in responding to small-scale anomalous conditions in thegravitational acceleration, the embodiment is designed to employ areduced proof-mass assembly for minimizing inertial effects and to allowhigh-frequency interaction with the gravity field in a high-altitude andhigh-speed survey environment, to allow a mechanical instability forenhancing detection sensitivity, to utilize rectilinear motion forcontinuously accumulating Δg necessary to resolve reservoir-scalefeatures, and to obtain wave-based signal patterns throughelectromechanical transduction for analysis as opposed to the standardmagnitude measurement in traditional gravimetry.

In hydrocarbon exploration, the five major criteria assessed are source,migration, trap, reservoir, and seal. The transducer of this inventionis capable of reacting to the anomalous density and stress conditionsproduced by the combined presence of trap, reservoir and seal.Therefore, it can be employed as a powerful gravity-based tool forproviding information on areas conducive to fluid entrapment in thesedimentary column.

A feature of one embodiment described is that it includes dynamic signalintegration while in motion. All present gravimeters and gravitygradiometers take static measurements, i.e., sensor is not required tobe in motion and, therefore, these instruments (1) are incapable ofperforming a dynamic signal integration or detecting the energyaccumulation over time; (2) have no ability to selectively respond tosubsurface stress induced energy changes (perturbations from eachsubsurface discontinuity); (3) are incapable of sampling vibrationsignals of the gravitational field at a high sample rate (e.g., 2,000samples per second); and (4) have no ability to identify the presence oflocalized trapped fluids in the subsurface.

In one embodiment, there is a gravity transducer system comprising: ajunction comprising a first metal and a second metal different than thefirst metal, the junction forming a resonant cavity; a particlecharacterized by a de Broglie wave, the particle contained within theresonant cavity; a phonon wave within the resonant cavity, the deBroglie wave coupled with the phonon wave; a power source for applyingelectrical power across the junction; a sensor capable of sensingresistance, voltage, or current, the sensor electrically connected withthe junction, the sensor producing a sensed signal; and a recordingsystem for recording the sensed signal. In one alternative, the particleis not held in a lattice structure. In another alternative, the systemfurther comprises an accelerometer. In one alternative, the recordingsystem comprises a geographical positioning system (GPS). In oneembodiment, the system further comprises a vehicle capable of moving thetransducer system. In one alternative, the vehicle is an airplane. Inone alternative the recording system comprises a mapping system formapping the location of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the junctioncomprises: a conductive bead having longitudinal bore through it; and aconductive pin having a dielectric coating, the pin located in thelongitudinal bore to form the electrical junction. In one alternative,the bead and pin are made of metal, and the dielectric comprises a metaloxide. In one embodiment, the metal oxide comprises silver oxide. In oneembodiment, the bead comprises a sandwich comprising a copper or goldlayer formed between first and second alloy layers. In anotherembodiment, the power source is a voltage source and the voltage isbetween 3 volts and 9 volts.

In another embodiment, there is a method of detecting orientationchanges or localized variations of a gravitational field associated withsub-surface stress, the method comprising: creating a resonant cavity;trapping a particle in the resonant cavity; applying an electrical fieldacross the particle in the resonant cavity to create an electricaljunction; exposing the junction to the orientation changes or localizedvariations of a gravitational field; sensing the resistance, voltage, orcurrent across the junction to produce a sensed signal characteristic ofthe orientation changes or localized variations of a gravitational fieldassociated with sub-surface stress; and recording the sensed signal; andanalyzing the signal to detect the orientation changes or localizedvariations of a gravitational field. In one embodiment, the methodfurther comprises, moving the trapped particle in the resonant cavitythrough the gravitational field. In one alternative, the movingcomprises moving the trapped particle in the resonant cavity in avehicle. In another embodiment, the moving comprises moving the trappedparticle in the resonant cavity in an airplane. In one alternative, therecording comprises recording the sensed signal as a function of time.In another embodiment, the recording comprises recording the sensedsignal as a function of geographical position of the trapped particle inthe resonant cavity. In one embodiment, the analyzing comprisesanalyzing the signal amplitude, signal frequency, or signal characterand pattern of the signal.

In another embodiment, there is a method of detecting a hydrocarbondeposit, the method comprising: providing a gravity transducer forsensing a change in a gravity field; moving the gravity transducerthrough the atmosphere or on land above the hydrocarbon deposit; sensinga change in the gravity field to produce a gravity change signalindicative of the hydrocarbon deposit; recording the gravity changesignal; and analyzing the gravity change signal to detect thehydrocarbon deposit. In one alternative, the moving is performed byplacing the gravity transducer in a vehicle and moving the vehicle. Inone embodiment, the method further comprises tracking the position ofthe vehicle and the recording comprises recording the position of thevehicle. In one alternative, the analyzing comprises correlating therecorded gravity change signal with the position of the vehicle. In oneembodiment, the moving comprises placing the transducer in an aircraftand flying the aircraft over the deposit. In one embodiment, the methodfurther comprises tracking the geographical position of the aircraft andrecording the tracked position. In another embodiment, the methodfurther comprises displaying the real time position of the aircraft. Inanother embodiment, the displaying comprises displaying a planned flightline and deviations from the flight line. In another embodiment, thedisplaying comprises displaying the planned flight line and thedeviations on the windshield of the aircraft. In another embodiment, themethod further comprises monitoring rotation of the aircraft along ahorizontal plane to provide a rotation signal, the recording comprisesrecording of the rotation signal, and the analyzing comprises using therotation signal to improve the quality of the gravity change signal. Inone embodiment, the flying comprises flying the aircraft at an altitudeof between 1,000 feet and 20,000 feet. In another embodiment, the methodcomprises integrating the gravity change signal dynamically over time.In another embodiment, the method further comprises detecting the energyaccumulation in the signal over time. In another embodiment, the signalis sampled at a sample rate of 1,000 samples per second or more.

There is also a method of detecting a subterranean fluid trapped beneatha layer of earth, the method comprising: providing a subterranean fluidtransducer capable of detecting the trapped subterranean fluid; movingthe transducer through the atmosphere or on land above the trappedfluid; sensing the trapped fluid to produce a trapped fluid signalindicative of the trapped fluid; recording the trapped fluid signal; andanalyzing the trapped fluid signal to detect the trapped fluid. In oneembodiment, the moving is performed by placing the transducer in avehicle and moving the vehicle. In another embodiment, the movingcomprises placing the transducer in an aircraft and flying the aircraftover the deposit. In another embodiment, the method further comprisestracking the geographical position of the aircraft and recording thetracked position. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesmonitoring rotation of the aircraft along a horizontal plane to providea rotation signal, the recording comprises recording of the rotationsignal, and the analyzing comprises using the rotation signal to improvethe quality of the gravity change signal. In another embodiment, theflying comprises flying the aircraft at an altitude of between 1,000feet and 20,000 feet. In one embodiment, the trapped fluid is ahydrocarbon.

In another embodiment the invention provides: a gravity transducersystem comprising: a junction comprising a first metal and a secondmetal, said junction forming a resonant cavity due to the mechanicalvibration of the pin-bead assembly; a power source for applyingelectrical power across said junction; a sensor capable of sensingresistance, voltage, or current, said sensor electrically connected withsaid junction, said sensor producing a sensed signal; and a recordingsystem for recording said sensed signal. In one embodiment, the gravitytransducer further comprises an airplane capable of moving saidtransducer system in a rectilinear motion. In another embodiment, thejunction comprises: a conductive bead having longitudinal bore throughit; and a conductive pin having a dielectric coating, said pin locatedin said longitudinal bore to form said electrical junction. In anotherembodiment, there is a pin-bead assembly capable of producing relativedisplacement between said bead and said pin under said rectilinearmotion of said aircraft. In another embodiment, the bead and pin aremade of metal, and said dielectric comprises a metal oxide. In anotherembodiment, there is an oxide layer between the pin and bead, whichoxide layer comprises silver oxide, copper oxide or other metal oxide.In another embodiment, the bead comprises a sandwich structurecomprising a copper or gold layer formed between first and second alloylayers. In another embodiment, the power source is a voltage source andthe voltage is between 3 volts and 9 volts.

The invention also provides a method of detecting orientation changes orlocalized variations of gravitational field associated with densitychanges and subsurface stresses, the method comprising: creating aresonant cavity due to the mechanical vibration of the pin-beadassembly, the mechanical vibration representing relative displacementbetween the bead and the pin; applying an electrical field across thejunction in the resonant cavity to create an electrical junction;exposing the junction to the orientation changes or localized variationsof a gravitational field via the relative displacement between the beadand the pin; sensing the voltage across the junction to produce sensedsignal characteristics of the orientation changes or localizedvariations of a gravitational field; acquiring the orientation changesor localized variations of a gravitational field continuously from amoving airplane without the need for establishing a static equilibriumstate; using mechanical instability for enhancing detection sensitivityand survey efficiency; exploiting high-altitude, high-speed interactionwith a gravitational field, allowing small oscillating test masses tohave access to high-frequency domains of the gravitational field; actingas a mechanical transducer to rapidly respond and convert thedisplacement energy into electrostatic charge distribution, and as acapacitance transducer to modulate the output through integration;recording the sensed signal; and analyzing the signal to detect theorientation changes or localized variations of a gravitational fieldassociated with sub-surface stress changes or density changes. In oneembodiment, the recording comprises recording the sensed signal as afunction of time.

In another embodiment, there is a gravity transducer system comprising:a junction comprising a first metal and a second metal, the junctionforming an active capacitance due to the mechanical vibration of thejunction assembly; a power source for applying electrical power acrossthe junction; a sensor capable of sensing voltage, the sensorelectrically connected with the junction, the sensor producing a sensedsignal characteristic of a gravitational signal; and a recording systemfor recording the sensed gravitational signal. In one embodiment, thesystem further comprises a vehicle capable of moving the transducersystem in a rectilinear motion. In an alternative embodiment, thejunction comprises: a conductive bead having longitudinal bore throughit; a conductive pin having a dielectric coating, the pin located in thelongitudinal bore to form the electrical junction; and a dielectricpolymer spacer between the bead and the pin. In one embodiment, the pinand bead are made of metal, and the dielectric coating comprises a metaloxide. In one embodiment of the gravity transducer system, there is anoxide layer between the pin and the bead and the oxide layer comprisessilver oxide, copper oxide or other metal oxides. In one embodiment, thebead comprises a sandwich structure comprising a copper or gold layerformed between a first alloy layer and a second alloy layer. In oneembodiment, the power source is a voltage source and the voltage isbetween 3 volts and 9 volts. In one embodiment, the gravity transducersystem acts as a mechanical transducer that responds in-situ duringaerial survey, converts the mechanical displacement energy intoelectrostatic charge, and a capacitance transducer that creates avoltage in relation to the gravity change. In one embodiment, thegravity transducer system responds only to small-scale gravity anomaliesand rejects slowly varying gravitational trends including topographicaleffects though resonance or synchronous deflection of the transducerelements.

There is also a method of detecting orientation changes or localizedvariations of gravitational field associated with changes in density andsubsurface stress, the method comprising: creating a junction of twodissimilar metals applying an electrical field across the junction;exposing the junction to the orientation changes or localized variationsof a gravitational field; sensing the voltage across the junction toproduce a sensed signal characteristic of the orientation changes orlocalized variations of a gravitational field; recording the sensedsignal as a function of time; and analyzing the signal to detect theorientation changes or localized variations of a gravitational fieldassociated with the subsurface density and stress changes. In oneembodiment, creating a junction comprises forming an adjustable resonantcavity having a trapped particle characterized by a de Broglie wavecoupling with a phonon wave. In one embodiment, creating a junctioncomprises forming a pin-bead assembly capable of relative displacementbetween the pin and bead to produce an active capacitance due to themechanical vibration of the pin-bead assembly. In one embodiment, themethod further comprises flying the junction in rectilinear motion in anaircraft. In one embodiment, the analyzing comprises analyzing signalattributes including amplitude, frequency, character, pattern, sequence,and trend.

There is also a method of detecting fluid entrapment including ahydrocarbon deposit, the method comprising: providing a gravitytransducer relying on the adjustable resonant cavity or relativedisplacement between a pin and a bead for sensing a change in agravitational field; moving the gravity transducer through theatmosphere or on land above the hydrocarbon deposit in a continuousrectilinear motion; interacting dynamically with and sensing a change inthe gravitational field through electromechanical conversion through theelectrical junction to produce a voltage signal indicative of thehydrocarbon deposit; eliminating constant background gravitational fieldthrough the resonant cavity or relative displacement; recording thegravity change signal at 2,000 samples per second; and analyzing thegravity change signal to detect the hydrocarbon deposit. In oneembodiment, the moving comprises flying the gravity transducer in anaircraft at an altitude up to 3,000 meters at a speed up to 500 km/h. Inone embodiment, there is an optimum altitude as a function of the sizeof the hydrocarbon deposit. In one embodiment, the method furthercomprises integrating the gravity change signal, detecting andmodulating the energy accumulation dynamically over time.

In one embodiment, there is a gravity transducer system for acquiringcontinuous gravity changes from any of the above methods by exploitinghigh-altitude, high-speed interaction with the gravitational field usingsmall oscillating masses to access high-frequency domains of the field.In one embodiment, the gravity transducer system uses differential dataacquisition to eliminate the need for any background gravitationalacceleration reference.

The invention also provides a method of detecting hydrocarbon deposit,the method comprising: providing a gravity transducer relying on therelative displacement between the bead and the pin for sensing a changein a gravitational field; moving the gravity transducer through theatmosphere or on land above the hydrocarbon deposit in a rectilinearmotion; sensing a change in the gravitational field throughelectromechanical conversion through the electrical junction to producea voltage signal indicative of the hydrocarbon deposit; eliminatingconstant background gravitational field through the relativedisplacement; recording the gravity change signal; exploiting wave-baseddetection patterns as opposed to standard magnitude measurement; andanalyzing the gravity change signal to detect the hydrocarbon deposit.In one embodiment, the flying comprises flying the aircraft at analtitude up to 3,000 meters. In another embodiment, the altitude is afunction of the size of the hydrocarbon deposit.

There has been described a practical gravitational detector, whichdetector is stable, compact, rugged and can be operated at roomtemperature.

Any of the parts of any one of the embodiments described herein may becombined with any of the parts of any of the other embodiments.Equivalent structures and processes may be substituted for the variousstructures and processes described; the sub-processes of the inventivemethod may, in some instances, be performed in a different order; or avariety of different materials and elements may be used. Consequently,the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novelfeature and novel combination of features present in and/or possessed bythe gravity transducer apparatus and methods described.

III. Examples of Hydrocarbon Sensing Results

To verify that the system according to the invention works, flights weremade over several distinct potential hydrocarbon locations and theresults compared to previous knowledge of the fields. The first of thesefields is the Canadian onshore carbonate field referred to as theLadyfern Gas Field, in BC, Canada. Found in 2000, the Ladyfern field wasestimated to contain 1.5 Tcf of natural gas reserves. Three flight lineswere flown in different directions to confirm the relation of porousareas to the sensor signal. The Ladyfern gas field is enclosed within acarbonate barrier reef with porosity preserved through the process ofleaching and dolomitization. Faults and fracture systems on theboundaries are strike-slip in nature. Based only on seismic, thedolomitization and trapping is not readily visible, although the sagfeatures are quite clear.

Ladyfern is a natural gas accumulation hosted in a stratigraphictrap—Devonian slave point reef. The productive reservoir facies havedeveloped via burial digenesis called hydrothermal dolomitization(“HTD”). Splays and antithetic faults associated with the nearby HayRiver dextral transform system are believed to have acted as conduitsfor the hydrothermal fluids. The aggressive nature of HTD digenesis hascreated a series of ‘sag’ or ‘collapse’ features in and around the reef,which are readily visible via seismic studies.

FIGS. 11-13 show the sensor signals obtained from two flights flown overthe Ladyfern field and one flight flown over the Burnt Timber gas field,AB, Canada. Each of FIGS. 11 through 13 shows signal output in voltsversus flight time. The output voltage is normalized to fall betweenzero and 1 volt. The resultant sensor signals indicate sub-surfacegeological changes and anomalies which are indicators of potentialhydrocarbon bearing reservoirs. A very strong correlation to thedistribution of the trapped reservoir was found. In this field, it wasdifficult to identify the carbonate pockets using only seismic, and thesensing system described herein provided a good corroboration ofreservoir opportunities.

FIG. 11 shows a sensor signal 600 developed along a maximum stress lineover the British Columbia plains. At 602 the signal begins to riseshowing an approaching geological change. Sharp peaks at 604 indicatestress fractures and a geologic change indicated at arrow 606. The curvecan best be understood by viewing it as a whole. It is seen that thereis a strong anomaly at 614 bracketed by similar signals 608 and 620 oneither side. Following the interpretation guidelines discussed below, weinterpret this as a hydrocarbon reserve in the area 615 with typicalapproaches at 610 and 619. At 618 the signal shows the rise out of theanomaly. The area 615 corresponds to an area of drilled wells. We alsocan see a minor anomaly at 625 indicated by the bar 626. This is anundrilled area. At 630, we see the decline of the signal indicating theplane is leaving the anomalous area.

FIG. 12 is a signal 630 developed with the same sensor as used in FIG.11, but in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and also along themaximum stress line. Here a geological change is indicated by the sharppeak at 632, which is marked by the arrow 633. The signal begins to riseat 634 along the direction 636. The bracketing structures are at 642 and654 in the areas 640 and 658, respectfully. An anomaly 650 is indicatedby the dip in the signal at 646 in the area 644. The signal falls off at664 indicating a geological change indicated by arrow 660. Overall, thissignal is much more fractured, such as shown at 638 and 646 whichindicate that the terrain is more fractured.

FIG. 13 is a signal 670 developed over the same anomaly as the anomaly614 of FIG. 11, except along the line of minimum stress. The sameanomaly shows up at 672 in the area 674.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show signals developed in an R&D test flight overthe “La Jarilla” oil field in Comodoro-Rivadiva, Argentina. Thisparticular series is shown to illustrate that different sensors will notshow identical signals. FIG. 14 shows the display 700 as shown by themapping computer 216. Display 700 shows the “La Jarilla” field at 707and several smaller fields at 720 and 722. The flight identificationnumber is shown at 712 and the flight direction is shown at 714. Thearea surveyed is shown at 710, and the time line is shown at 714. FIGS.15 and 16 show the same area and time covered, but with differentsensors. Comparing FIGS. 15 and 16, it is seen that a local geologicalchange 734 in FIGS. 15 and 750 in FIG. 16 and the start of an anomalousarea show up differently. In FIG. 15, it is indicted by a sharp peak at730, and in FIG. 16, it is indicated by a signal buildup at 752. A localgeological change 736 in FIGS. 15 and 758 in FIG. 16, show up similarlyas minor peaks 738 in FIGS. 15 and 755 in FIG. 16. The anomaly is shownby a dip at 741 and 742 in area 766 FIG. 15 and a single dip at 762 atarea 740 in FIG. 16. The end of the anomalous area is shown at 746 inFIG. 15 by a frequency change and amplitude shift. This is also shown bya frequency change and amplitude shift at 770 in FIG. 16, though thechange is not as pronounced. These curves show that what is important isthe changes in the signals, not the absolute values of the signals. Thiswill be made clearer in the signal interpretation section below.

IV. Operation of the System

IV.1. Aircraft Tracking and Communication Systems

The aircraft tracking and communication systems consist of two parts.The first part is a “flight-path following system” that provides thecapability for the recording operator in the aircraft and the groundcrew to follow the flight path and ensure the aircraft is on itsintended course. The system updates the position of the aircraft eachminute. This ensures that the ground crew has access to the plane'slocation with a high degree of accuracy. The main purpose of thetracking system is to conduct safe flights and to allow the R&Dengineers, and, in the future, potential clients, government andmilitary agencies to track the aircraft accurately during the surveyflights. The system is satellite-based through the iridium network whichenables global access to position data and enables voice and datacommunications outside of cellular coverage areas.

The second tracking system is connected to the GPS navigation and givesa real-time-map based update to the sensor operator who is monitoringthe on-board quality control system. The onboard Novatel GPS System issupplemented by a subscription service to Omnistar for wide areadifferential GPS Corrections. This setup provides a very high degree ofdata positioning accuracy within +/−2 meters.

IV.2. Data Recording Systems

Two computer systems are used to record the data independently andsimultaneously: the QNX system with 16-bit precision and the WinDaqsystem with 14-bit precision. All systems are controlled via the mainQNX computer. Specifically, the QNX computer maintains automaticsynchronization of the redundant data acquisition by automaticallysignaling the start and stop of recording within 0.5 seconds.Furthermore, the QNX computer also records the GPS position andelevation information, visual ground references and any other relevantin-flight data required for proper quality control at the end of theflight. GPS elevation data is utilized along with USGS-provided DEM dataat the end of the flight to calculate the height of the plane aboveground. This ensures that the flight, preferably done at 10,000 feet,was conducted within the altitude tolerance limits of the sensors.However, flights can be conducted within a range of 1,000 feet and20,000 feet.

IV.3. Data Quality Control Systems

The quality control system incorporates the raw digital output from QNXand the graphical display of the output from the WinDaq acquisitionsystem. Since this is similar to the signal that is used forinterpretation, determination of the quality of the signal can be madein-flight. The result from the real-time GPS output and the plannedfight are compared to ensure a minimal deviation. The cross track, anindicator of how far off the planned course the aircraft is located, ismonitored in real time during the flight both by the operator and thepilots. Normally, a cross track distance within 10 meters is maintained.

In addition, the quality control system contains power supply monitorsto ensure the maintenance of proper voltage levels throughout the dataacquisition process. Accelerometers are also used to monitor theacceleration of the aircraft on the vertical and two horizontal axesduring the data acquisition process.

IV.4. Data Post-Processing Systems

At the end of the flight, the QNX system automatically transfers alldata onto an external disk. The raw data is checked to ensure thecorrect record lengths. In particular, the data is checked to ensurethat both QNX and WinDaq acquisition systems have recorded the raw datawith no problems.

The raw data in hexadecimal format is processed to check for consistencyof data and is then reformatted for input into the DADiSP engineeringworksheet. DADiSP is a commercial interactive graphics worksheet, avisually oriented software package for the display, management, analysisand presentation of scientific and technical data. It can be used tomanipulate, edit, reduce, transform, display and analyze technical data.DADiSP can handle and simplify the large volumes of data output by thesensor system. As mentioned above, digitized sensor output contains2,000 points per second and flights can average about 10,000 seconds,resulting in a 1 GB per flight data volume or more in a raw form. Oncethe data is loaded into DADiSP, it may average more than 6 GB perflight. This large volume of data from two recording systems can behandled by DADiSP in an efficient manner.

IV.5. Flight-Planning Process

The overall sensor survey flight planning process starts by researchingand understanding the following:

-   -   1) Maps—topographic and aviation maps of the target area are        prepared in both paper and digital forms.    -   2) Sensor technology requirements—certain parameters must be        followed to obtain reliable, quality data. These include long        straight segments, large turning radius and low turbulence. As a        rule of thumb, in one embodiment, the minimum straight length is        100 km, the minimum turning radius is 25 km, and the        acceleration is not greater than 1 g.    -   3) Base of operations for the aircraft—selected based on the        following criteria: proximity to the survey area, runway length        (minimum 5,000 feet), fuel availability (jet A1 with Prist),        flight planning facilities, security, accommodations and        communications facilities.    -   4) Other flight restrictions—these include both regulatory        agency and geographic considerations as follows:        -   Air traffic control rules that include departure and entry            vectors, permit approval processes and IFR flight rules.        -   Air Force permits required for restricted and prohibited air            space.        -   Military restrictions that include hostile regions, border            buffer zones, and altitude restrictions.        -   Geographic restrictions including mountains and borders.        -   Prevailing weather trends including precipitation, winds,            storms, and clouds.

The above information is utilized to begin designing each individualtarget flight line. Flight lines are designed as a sequence of straightsegment waypoints and accurately controlled turn waypoints.

In one embodiment, to get ready to fly, there are six processes that areperformed:

-   -   1) The waypoints are loaded into the aircraft's flight        management system. This system guides the aircrafts autopilot        mode over the planned route to a high degree of accuracy.    -   2) The waypoints also are loaded into the sensor flight tacking        system. This enables the onboard sensor operator to track the        progress of the aircraft to ensure that the correct flight path        is followed. This system also provides accurate location        information for the data that is being collected.    -   3) Sensors are loaded onto the aircraft and calibrated.    -   4) Pilots file the flight plan with the relevant administration        of air traffic control.    -   5) Pilots and the sensor operator board the aircraft and perform        the planned flight.    -   6) After completing the flight, the data then is evaluated to        ensure that it meets the prescribed quality standards.

In this process, it is important to realize that gradual changes inaltitude (in the vertical direction) do not affect the sensorsadversely; however, a slight aircraft rotation along the horizontalplane does. The noise inherent within the sensor signal largelyoriginates from rotational aircraft movements.

IV.6. Data Interpretation Process

The sensor signal interpretation process is generally performed at thehead office, and in one embodiment, involves three major steps. Thefirst step is the single line sensor by sensor interpretation. This isfollowed by the multiline sensor signal integration. Then the results gothrough a final ranking and mapping.

The identification and characterization of sensor signals is the endgoal of the sensor interpretation process. The process of sensor signalinterpretation involves the recognition the anomalous patterns withinthe waveform of a sensor signal from its background. The key challengeis to recognize a section of anomalous changes in signal character froma noisy background signal with confidence. Sensor signal interpretationemploys several methods to improve the ability to identify an anomalyincluding spatial confirmation of anomalies across multiple sensors,recognition of the specific sequence of signal character changes, andindependent identification of anomalies by multiple teams. Forinterpretation purposes the signal is continuously recorded from thebeginning of a stable flight path until just before landing. In oneembodiment, it is important to the interpretation process to capture therelative changes in the “baseline” signal characteristics for eachsensor over the entire flight. This enables the recognition of thenormal background waveforms and the specific pattern or mode changes.

For a potential anomaly to be subject to interpretation it should showup on a plurality of sensors. The use of multiple sensors plays asignificant role in quality control. For a potential anomaly to becomefurther analyzed, it has to be independently located in the same spatiallocation by at least two separate teams of interpreters. Additionally,in all instances, it needs to occur in a specific sequence.

A key part of the interpretation process is the recognition of thetrends and character changes of the background signal and theidentification of the sensor “mode”. A mode is a long term signal trendwhich is recognizable for a particular sensor.

A sensor signal character is considered anomalous over an area when itconforms to an idealized pattern or sequence of responses that are knownto correlate to geologic changes in the subsurface. These changesinclude the development of fluid charged reservoir or the existence ofstructural or stratigraphic trapping mechanisms. Although the sensorsignal can indicate the presence of trapped fluid, it currently cannotdistinguish between hydrocarbons and water.

Anomalies can exist as point changes in the signal patterns and areoften indicative of a significant change in geology. Area anomaliesconsist of signal changes with a defined beginning and end and will havea recognizable shape, sequence, character change or pattern. Anomaliesin the gravity sensor signal are often recognized by frequency changesover different rolling window sizes, trend changes over different windowlengths, and magnitude and slope changes over an area.

The correct recognition of “changes” is an intricate process.Fundamentally, the process is complicated by the existence of severalbackground modes of each sensor. The anomaly character development willdepend on the background mode. Additionally, the character in the signalis relative; that is, the initial conditions will affect the subsequentsensor responses. For example, crossing a large fault can mask a smalleranomaly that closely follows it.

The output of the data sensor interpretation process is a prospectivitymap, which shows recommendation boxes that describe the spatial extentof the reservoir portion of the geological anomaly within the area ofthe sensor survey.

The following section covering FIGS. 17 through 24 is a basicdescription of the most important concepts involved in SFD datainterpretation using ideal or near-ideal sensor response examples. Eachof FIGS. 17 through 24 shows the signal voltage on the ordinate as afunction of time along the abscissa. This description is intended tointroduce one skilled in the art to the sensor data interpretationprocess. The most common anomaly attributes and sequences are presented.All major anomalies may be identified by one of the followinggeneralized interpretation concepts, and many less significant anomaliesmay be identified by either an extension, corollary or grouping of theseconcepts. Because sensors may exhibit stochastic behaviour, thisdescription may not apply to all sensors. This description focuses onthe concepts applicable to a few of the primary sensors. The conceptscan be extended with some variations to other sensors. However, itshould be understood that it may be advisable to learn the response ofeach sensor individually by empiric data. Many subtle variations ofthese examples exist which may or may not alter the anomalyidentification. To serve the above purpose, the emphasis of thisdocument will be placed on the detailed visual inspection of thewaveforms, although various signal processing techniques may be appliedin the interpretation process.

IV.6.1. Signal Attributes Used in SFD Interpretation

The following signal attributes are utilized in this disclosure for amajority of the interpretation process: Signal amplitude; Signalfrequency; Signal character and pattern. The current representation ofthe SFD sensor output is a simple 2D voltage-versus-time plot, whichtherefore implies that each of the above mentioned attributes can berepresented by a particular behavior of the sensor voltage output as afunction of time. This section of the document therefore attempts todescribe each of these as applicable to the SFD interpretation process.It is important to note that SFD attributes are not defined inabsolutes. Each of the following terms/attributes refers to a sequenceobserved over a floating time period, nominally of the order of 10-50seconds.

IV.6.1.1. Amplitude

The term “amplitude” as applied to SFD implies a change in the observedmean output voltage of the SFD sensor during a certain interval. Thereis no fixed definition of the time interval being used to define themean output voltage nor is it required that the time intervals be ofequal duration. FIG. 17 highlights the output voltages and theirperceived mean values in a series of time intervals. In sections A and Bthe mean values shown by arrows 802 and 803 do not appear to havechanged; however the two areas may be distinguished on the basis of theremaining signal attributes: frequency and character. In Section C theamplitude shown by arrow 806 has changed. This section may be classifiedas a transition period from A and B to D. The term amplitude, andquantities and concepts derived from it such as amplitude change,voltage baseline etc., would therefore refer to the voltage valuerepresented by the arrows 802, 804, 806 and 808 which are 0.7V insections A and B, 0.65V in area C and 0.55V in area D, as opposed to thediscrete time amplitude value such as 0.69V at timestamp 6475. Amplitudeand Amplitude trends are therefore directly realized by the meanmagnitude of the signal voltage in any given time window and play animportant role in the identification and ranking of the anomaly. Withreference to the previous example shown in FIG. 17, calculating a movingaverage using 5 second time intervals over the same signal durationyields the curve 810 of FIG. 18. While such a moving average is usefulin identifying the major trend intervals, in D and E it tends to obscurethe trend of the baseline voltages within the time window. These trendsoften play a role in determining the ranking of the SFD anomalies. Thus,in this embodiment, moving averages are not the best way to analyze thedata.

FIG. 19 shows an example of an edge 820 on a SFD signal 812. The edge isan example of a sudden amplitude change between a first area 814 and asecond area 818 and it may or may not be accompanied by amode/background pattern change. An edge is often used to interpret thetransition of the sensor from one setting to another. Identification ofthese points is generally used to determine the start/end of signalsequences that are used to define anomalies.

IV.6.1.2. Frequency

The term “frequency” as applied to SFD implies the number of observedsignificant peak-to-peak (V_(max)-V_(min)) values during a certain timeinterval. The significance is determined based on the comparison withthe waveforms prior to and after the time interval of interest. There isno fixed definition of the time interval being used to define the meanoutput voltage nor is it required that the time intervals be of equalduration. In most cases an identified frequency change or shift willneed to be a length longer than 10 seconds (based on the current flyingspeed of the aircraft) to be considered applicable for SFDinterpretation purposes. Consider signal 830 in FIG. 20. The areas A andF will fit the definition of the high frequency characteristicsdescribed previously while areas C and D will be considered lowfrequency areas. Area G can be considered as an example of a tight modesignal and in this case the notion of frequency as applied to SFD is notrelevant. Anomaly identification in this mode will be driven primarilyby amplitude and pattern characteristics. In particular note area E inwhich four sub areas a, b, c and d are defined. Within these sub areas,the V_(max)-V_(min) differences and the number of times the particularchange described by the V_(max)-V_(min) event which happens during thetransitions from a-b, b-c and c-d will fit the high frequency definitionand more appropriately can be seen as a frequency transition fromA-B-C-D to E. Hence, only area E will be considered to have highfrequency relevant for anomaly identification purposes.

Signal 840 of FIG. 21 shows a transition from a low frequency area (A)to a high frequency area (B) and finally to a tight-mode area (C). It isquite apparent that area B is the densest part of the signal. The eventdescribed by the change in the mean V_(max)-V_(min)value can thereforebe simplified by noting the following two items: it represents a changefrom a low V_(max)-V_(min) to a high V_(max)-V_(min) along thetransition from A to B; and, the frequency of the high V_(max)-V_(min)event is much higher in area B. It may be noted that the reverse event(high to low V_(max)-V_(min)) transition is equally applicable tointerpretation and anomaly identification. This is a direct consequenceof the original observation that singular time events and changes on SFDare generally meaningless and only hold value if part of an overallsignal development. Frequency and Frequency trends are thereforedirectly recognized by the occurrence and regularity (or lack thereof)of a significant standard deviation change of the signal voltage in anygiven time window and play an important role in the identification andranking of the anomaly.

IV.6.1.3. Character and Pattern

A character change of an SFD signal can imply the occurrence of largeand diverse number of events. Character changes can be very loosely tiedto mean output voltage changes but this is not always the case. Ingeneral a pattern change on a SFD sensor's output is observed as a shiftor change in a sequence of regularly occurring signal events. Theseevents are a combination of both amplitude and frequency shifts asdescribed above. Most of these discernible pattern changes are derivedfrom historical surveys and template crossings. A character change ingeneral determines the overall shape of the signal as characterized byamplitude, frequency, envelope evolution etc. A particular waveformconsisting of these character changes is visually noticeable on a SFDsignal. Some SFD signal events associated with character changesinclude: A change or shift in the amplitude trend of the signal; Achange or shift in the character of the signal development, for example,a signal showing only positive deviations about the perceived baselinemoves to a state where it shows both positive and negative deviations; Achange or shift in the signal pattern, for example, a signal showing ahigh frequency baseline trend moves to a low frequency baseline trend ora varying frequency trend; A change or shift in the signal envelope, forexample, a signal exhibiting a cyclic/periodic behaviour to a morediscrete development. Signal character changes are therefore directlyrealized by a sequence driven combination of the frequency and/oramplitude characteristics as described previously in any given timewindow and play an important role in the determination and ranking ofthe anomaly. Some signal pattern changes are illustrated in signal 850in FIG. 22. At the arrow 856, it is seen that the baseline voltages moveup from area 854 to area 860. Also at this point the response typechanges to high frequency with a U-shaped waveform development,specifically U's 861 and 862, which are accompanied by high frequencysuch as at 863. Further, when comparing the signals on either side ofarrow 856, it is seen that the response range changes from mostly abovethe baseline to either side of the baselines.

FIG. 23 illustrates several signal character changes that are relevantto signal interpretation. The baseline voltage of the signal at 867 isshown at 868. The baseline voltage of the signal at 869 is shown at 870.It is evident that there is a character change in that the baselinevoltages move down. It can be seen that the downward development in thearea 867 changes to high frequency with only upwards development in theregion 869 which forms a dip in the area 866. It is also evident in FIG.23, the response changes from mostly below the baseline at the start toeither side of the baseline in the region 869 and then back to the highfrequency downward trending signal in the region 872. These are allexamples of signal character changes.

IV.6.2. Sequence Identification

The initial point of the SFD interpretation process is the determinationof the start and end of the applicable time windows, i.e., thetimestamps at which the change in the frequency, amplitude orcharacter/pattern can be observed and/or established. The identificationof these time windows may be useful in establishing the overall signalquality sequences that will eventually be used for anomalyidentification. The determination of the anomaly and its subsequentstrength will be determined by the type and sequence of attributechanges observed within & at the immediate periphery of these timewindows. Consider the signal sequence shown in FIG. 24. It has beendivided into a succession of time windows—A, B and C which have beendifferentiated based on a change or shift in one of the primary SFDsignal attributes. The transition from area A to area B is defined bythe following events. As shown by comparing the levels 876 and 872 thereis a baseline amplitude change and a signal character change in that thesignal changes both trend, i.e., upward trend to flat trend; and patternchange, i.e., the directionality of the deviations about the baseline.There is also a signal frequency change as comparing signal 874 tosignal 880. Similarly the shift from area B to area C is defined by thefollowing events: a Baseline amplitude change as shown by arrows 872 and886; and a signal frequency change as by comparing the signals at 880and 884. The determination of these sequences is useful in theinterpretation of the signal with respect to anomalous vs. non-anomalouswaveforms, which then would relate to the overall ranking of thearea/areas

It is particularly noted that the signal waveform is a series ofcontinuous changes where the same attributes that determine theanomalous areas may also determine the non-anomalous areas. Signaldevelopment throughout the length of the signal is composed of a seriesof changes of the individual attributes. However, the primary differencebetween an area and waveform marked as anomalous as compared to an areaor waveform not considered anomalous is the change sequence for theindividual attributes. Signal development over the course of a spatialinterval will generally be composed of a number of possible sequentialchanges in the attributes and the starting point is usually theidentification of the start and end of a particular developmentsubsection. This is referred to as the determination of the “timewindows”.

We claim:
 1. A gravity transducer system comprising: a junctioncomprising a first metal and a second metal, said junction forming anactive capacitance, wherein change in the active capacitance is due tomechanical vibration of the junction, wherein said junction comprises aconductive bead having longitudinal bore through it, wherein saidjunction also comprises a conductive pin having a dielectric coating,said pin located in said longitudinal bore to form an electricaljunction, and wherein said junction further comprises a dielectricpolymer spacer between said bead and said pin; a power source forapplying electrical power across said junction; a sensor capable ofsensing voltage, said sensor electrically connected with said junction,said sensor producing a sensed signal characteristic of a gravitationalsignal; and a recording system for recording said sensed signalcharacteristic of said gravitational signal.
 2. A gravity transducersystem as in claim 1 and further comprising a vehicle capable of movingsaid transducer system in a rectilinear motion.
 3. A gravity transducersystem as in claim 1 wherein said pin and bead are made of metal, andsaid dielectric comprises a metal oxide.
 4. A gravity transducer systemas in claim 3 wherein there is an oxide layer between said pin and saidbead and said oxide layer comprises silver oxide, copper oxide or othermetal oxide.
 5. A gravity transducer system as in claim 1 wherein saidbead comprises a sandwich structure comprising a copper or gold layerformed between a first alloy layer and a second alloy layers.
 6. Agravity transducer system as in claim 1 wherein said power source is avoltage source and said voltage is between 3 volts and 9 volts.
 7. Agravity transducer system as in claim 1 that acts as a mechanicaltransducer that responds in-situ during aerial survey, convertsmechanical displacement energy into electrostatic charge, and acapacitance transducer that creates a voltage in relation to a gravitychange.
 8. A gravity transducer system as in claim 1 that responds onlyto small-scale gravity anomalies and rejects slowly varyinggravitational trends including topographical effects though resonance orsynchronous deflection of transducer elements.
 9. A method of detectingorientation changes or localized variations of gravitational fieldassociated with subsurface density and stress changes, said methodcomprising: creating a junction of two dissimilar metals applying anelectrical field across said junction, wherein said junction comprises aconductive bead having longitudinal bore through it, wherein saidjunction also comprises a conductive pin having a dielectric coating,said pin located in said longitudinal bore to form an electricaljunction, and wherein said junction further comprises a dielectricpolymer spacer between said bead and said pin; exposing said junction tosaid orientation changes or localized variations of a gravitationalfield; sensing a voltage across said junction to produce a sensed signalcharacteristic of said orientation changes or localized variations of agravitational field; recording said sensed signal as a function of time;and analyzing said signal to detect said orientation changes orlocalized variations of a gravitational field associated with saidsubsurface density and stress changes.
 10. A method as in claim 9wherein said creating a junction comprises forming an adjustableresonant cavity having a trapped particle characterized by a de Brogliewave coupling with a phonon wave.
 11. A method as in claim 9, whereinsaid exposing said junction to localized variations of the gravitationalfield comprises flying said junction in an aircraft, wherein theaircraft and junction are in rectilinear motion while flying.
 12. Amethod as in claim 9 wherein said analyzing comprises analyzing signalattributes including amplitude, frequency, character, pattern, sequenceand trend.
 13. A method of detecting fluid entrapment includinghydrocarbon deposit, said method comprising: providing a gravitytransducer relying on an adjustable resonant cavity or relativedisplacement between a pin and a bead for sensing a change in agravitational field, wherein the bead comprises a conductive bead havinglongitudinal bore through it, wherein the pin comprises a conductive pinhaving a dielectric coating, said pin located in said longitudinal boreto form an electrical junction, and wherein a dielectric polymer spaceris provided between said bead and said pin; moving said gravitytransducer through an atmosphere or on land above said hydrocarbondeposit in a continuous rectilinear motion; interacting dynamically withand sensing the change in the gravitational field throughelectromechanical conversion through an electrical junction to produce avoltage signal indicative of said hydrocarbon deposit; eliminatingconstant background gravitational field through said resonant cavity orrelative displacement; recording said gravity change signal at 2,000samples per second; and analyzing said gravity change signal to detectsaid hydrocarbon deposit.
 14. A method as in claim 13 wherein saidmoving comprises flying said gravity transducer in an aircraft at analtitude up to 3,000 meters at a speed up to 500 km/h.
 15. A method asin claims 13 wherein there is an optimum altitude as a function of thesize of said hydrocarbon deposit.
 16. A method as in claim 13 andfurther comprising integrating said gravity change signal, detecting andmodulating energy accumulation dynamically over time.
 17. A gravitytransducer system to acquire continuous gravity changes from the methodas in claim 13 by exploiting high-altitude, high-speed interaction withsaid gravitational field using small oscillating masses to accesshigh-frequency domains of the field.